Khun Chai Ronnapeeeee

Posted on July 1, 2013

Hello? Am I still alive? I think I might be dead.

This show is killing me, you guuys, and it’s not even done yet. I don’t know if I’ll have anything left to feel once they are through with me.

Each episodes this weekend takes us incrementally closer and closer to the relevation about Phee’s identity and status, a man of contradictions. He can singlehandedly oppose and fight an army of men, but cannot face the truth with his little lady, Piangkwan. If you’ve been following this series, or my blog entries about Khun Chai Ronnapee, you’d know that the deception started on a simple basis, but now has grown into one of the biggest conflict that will inevitably tear the two apart.

Chai Phee’s character weakness is fear. His first fear is telling Piangkwan that he loves her, because he’s never truly loved another that way before, and things like that take time to come to terms with. But now, his fear has morphed into something so much bigger, because after confessing his love, and having her within arms reach, he may now just lose her entirely.

But as JRR Tolkien once wrote, a man who flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it.

Meeting that inevitable truth is so much harder to watch because we have seen how much he loves her, how much he wants to protect her and will go to the ends of the earth to save her. For instance the scene where the local mob kidnaps Piangkwan to threaten her mom, Chai Phee does not back down even after he got shot. He saves her, hugs her close and tells her that it is his duty to protect his woman.

Yet he’s insecure about her feelings. All this time he has been the person to profess his love, to save her and prove to her that love is a beautiful and worthy thing. Sometimes doing it all one sided can be grating, because the insecurities and jealousies tend to follow. Like the purpose of Khun Art’s secret brother conflict, that is really used to make Chai Phee jealous. So our guy turns away from Piangkwan for a bit to brood and mope. You know, work things out in his confused mind. So he talks to his P’Chai Ruj, the smooth brother, who’s sweetness with his wife only serves to make Chai Phee feel much longing. The older man advises his brother to be brave and confident. Something easier said than done.

Chai Phee finds his way back to Piangkwan and discovers that she’s taken by the Sia Peng again. He singlehandedly take on Sia Peng’s men and saves his damsel in distress. They’ve gone through so much together, and Piangkwan is growing to trust and love him unequivocally too, that I simply held my breath when the big reveal does happen. Chai Phee plans on bringing Piangkwan to the castle and introducing her to his grannies and essentially, tell her who he really is. But even the best intentions can fall by the wayside- because Vilairumpa has beaten him to the punch.

She contrives for Piangkwan to dance at Juthathep’s castle for Grandma Eait’s birthday celebration. So if you can imagine, the five gentlemen and their ladies are seated at the front, with the two grannies in the center. In comes Piangkwan, dressed in her traditional costume, where she smiles beautifully to everyone. She catches a familiar face at the end of the row, her Khun Phee, among the aristocrats. Confusion, disappointment, and betrayal crosses her mind, and the tears well up in her eyes. But she is a professional so she dances and smiles as the tears threaten to fall. Chai Phee realizes what this means as he is caught, and he is momentarily stunned with inaction and gentlemanly upbringing (even though he wants to run to her and explain.) His eyes well up too and he doesn’t know what to do. What makes it worst, at the end of the dance, she is to kneel on the floor and accept the gifts from each patrons, further showing the significant status differences between them. Shoot. Me. Now.

Mortifying, degrading, and so incredily sad. The deliver of this scene has blown me away.

When Piangkwan reaches the end of the line, and she and Chai Phee are face to face, Phee kneels down with her so they could be at the same eye level. But his grandma hisses at his behavior and he reluctantly sits back on his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. Tears roll down her eyes as she speaks formally to him. But the most devastating part for him, is that she returned the ring he had given to her- a ring that had nothing to do with his status. Clearly rejecting his love.

Later he waits for her outside of her changing room, hoping to explain. But everything he says comes out as excuses to Piangkwan’s ears. The damage is done, Piangkwan tells him that she is not someone to be toyed with, she has a heart and mind too. She surmises that Chai Phee withheld his status from her because it would be easier on him to disappear should he become bored with her.

I was sad to see Piangkwan having to be a professional and take the condescencion. But my heart literally breaks to see Chai Phee’s nightmare come true, that his biggest fear has been realized, and to see a little bit of him dying inside. And it makes me angry to see his beloved Grandma Orn not caring or seemingly not wanting to see that she’s killing her own grandson. At least Grandma Eait doesn’t seem pleased that things are going down the way that they had. She simply thanked them for the present (the dance) because it means they are closer to sealing that damn promise. So it makes me somewhat mullified that his brothers are noticing how it’s affecting Chai Phee. I’m a bit peeved at Chai Pat though, after having his happily ever after, he can’t help a bro out? And he even regrets ever helping Chai Phee lie? I suppose in my sibling world, you fight for them first then deal with them later.

I just want to scream from the unfairness of it all. Our boy comes from a big family, is seemingly the most loved and spoiled, yet he is so alone (yes we are back to that sentiment.) And because he’s the last chance of adhering to his father’s vows, he has to be held responsible to marrying that witch. He happens to fall in love with a poor, prideful girl with heavy baggage, and no matter how much he puts his neck out to save her, he gets short shafted. But you know what? Despite his shortsighted flaws, he ultimately isn’t afraid to do what he feels is right (even if he’s going completely rogue.) So what he needs and deserves (the most) right now is love and support, preferably from his bros. Please hurry and help your youngest, Khunchais!

And I know there’s more angst in store for us (well at least for me anyway.) He’s going to try to make it right with her, it’s the only thing left to do. But our stubborn girl is going to put him through the ringer until his proverbial last breath. Not to mention the witchy Rumpa and his insufferable grannies.

Oh show, you are so bad for me. You will be the death of me, but you know I love you right? And there better be light at the end of the tunnel- a conclusion so sweet that I will want to die a sweet death.

This drama had tortured me every weekends.But ,i realize that the grandma Eait seems don’t like Wilairampa after the accident that happened during her birthday (the way they treat PiengKwan ).By the way , is this drama ends next week which means is only have 11 episodes ,right ? REALLY curious about how the two grandmas agreed on PiengKhwan .Besides ,Wilairampa ‘s family is royalty but they seems not wealthy as Juthathep . Why ? and it is real that the Wilairampa’s father save the ThanChai Wich or they just wanted to get benefits from Juthathep family.Hope you can answer my questions as i not a thai and can’t have the novel to read .If the novel has been translate to English ,Pls informs me .I would like to purchase the novels of the whole series .Thank you.Have a nice day ( hope my English is understandable )

I am the same as you on the father, and whether or not he did the saving. I again still don’t understand why the grannies wouldn’t ‘realize’ that that whole family is beyond jacked up (except for Kate of course). If this dude was above par then he wouldn’t want to force couples that DON’T even like each other to marry…wish the grannies would notice that.

He’s only “wealthy” from the outset, but he’s a gambling addict so he’s practically penniless and living off his eldest bakery sell, as well as the hope that he would snag one of the Khunchais as his son in law. I agree with you both, Khunchai Tewapun doesn’t seem like the guy who would stick his neck out for anyone. It’s probably a case of right place right time. SO methinks a great way for the Khunchais to terminate this agreement, if they could unveil Khunchai Tewapun’s true circumstances. OR just gang up on grannies. But yunno, they are gentlemen so we’ll have to see if they can get creative without being jerks. Su-su team Juthatheps! P.S. it will end this Sunday!

my, my fia…i just love ur writing…u make me wanna watch khun Ronnapee this instant..but i’m still at Khun Chai Puttipat (yes, I’m slow but I’m loving it!!!)..I hope in the end of the Supaburoot Juthathep, you would be able to decide which is your favourite story?? would love to know your opinion.. 😀

This Larkon is killing me too,I never cried over a Larkon but I cried with pienkwan felt really sorry for her,it seems I’m gonna cry more inthe upcoming episodes,this part is my fav coz it really shows what love is,it really have it’s burdens.i have to praise James MA,mint chalida and Esther those people can’t act,they deliver their peromance really well

Besides these 3 characters i’m also in love with some other characters especially Khwan’s nephew, Pranod, he’s quiet natural and his lines are always funny and interesting. this kid cracks me up each time. love the Aut and Nor pairing too, they are cute!

Is it cheating to just say…Amen. LOL I am so mad at the grannies and that evil Rampa chick it isn’t even funny. You’d think the bros would at least feel a little simpathy (or empathy since they wen’t through the same crap) for Chai P. Plus his chemistry w/ Mint is hot like fire. Shoot they have so much junk to work through they don’t even need that evil Rampa to do her thing. Oh and not to mention her daddy, who I think is a liar, thief, and unworthy of a brother in his family. Sadly these fool grannies are falling for stupid as always, you’d think they would at least learn, but NOO. *sigh*

Haha, they don’t need Rumpa’s drama, but that would mean grannies would have to still “matchmake” him with some other “worthy” girl. After all, we’re in the 60’s and finding a good match is the end all. But those grannies are soo blind. They only see what they want to see. After being wrong four times, why are they still determined to find the right match for Phee? It’s so silly for the grannies to disregard how happy the four grandsons are after finding their own spouses. I REALLY want a scene where Grandma Orn takes a good look at her grandson’s heartbreaking face and see if she would still be happy to ruin his life! Ugh!

yes, I too, love watching the happy and sweet moments when the two lovers are together and then cry,cry and cry some more with them when they are hurt. My heart broke for both of them but I’m comforted that in this series there’s a happy ending waiting for us.

That’s one thing I love about lakorns (well 95% of them anyway) – they have happy endings! I would really die if fate is so cruel as put us through the ringer, and kill us in the end. Thanks for your feedback Poowan!

it hurts so so so much. i sympathize with both of them equally. chai phee used his lie in such a cruel way to only have fallen in love w her and its too late to turn back. and the biggest betrayal she ever faced. the ram scene was slowly killing me, glad that im still alive lol gosh i wouldnt know what to feel if i was kwan. she poured her heart out by telling chai phee her life story to only go thru the same process. hopefully history does not repeat itself.

It makes me curious as to how he’s going to make it right with her. I dunno, maybe risk his life for the fourth time? These two have so much chemistry and I am soo in love with James Ma! Who knew he could be the silly, youngest bro, then be the most caring and sweetest guy? They pair well together, she’s serious and he’s easy going. I’m a sucker for these two. Funny though, Mint feared that they may have a hard time working together because he’s so quiet, but after watching them in interviews etc together, they look comfortable. I wouldn’t mind seeing these two again, but totally ok if they venture out!

i’m most disappointed in rumpa’s father. how far will his greed go until he is satisfied? both his daughters are becoming the worse kind of women/human beings with each passing day and all because of a promise. what kind of promise is worth having to watch his daughters descend to the deepest of hells of their own making? you would think, in order for his youngest not to have to suffer like his middle child (acid incident), he’ll put his food down and call off the promise. come on, didn’t they fear karma alot back then?! and i agree w/ craxycat and llw, did taewaprom daddy really saved the five lion’s daddy? more than likely, someone else did the real saving but didn’t make it, and he just carried him out. wouldn’t be surprised if he ran ahead to save his own life but felt guilty and went back, only to take credit for someone else’s actions. and oh, how i was wishing that kwan was the long lost sister/cousin of taewaprom, so the whole problem of marrying a taewaprom girl will be finished, but girl can dream right?

I’m almost cringing at what can happen to Rumpa in the end. I mean this girl is more venomous than her older sister, and smarter too. She’s not going down without a fight. Maybe she’ll end up in the asylum? It’s too much to ask for a villain to realize that maybe she’s not meant to be with the main guy and just move on, lol.

Hi Fia,
I’ve seen parts of 6 and 7 but have only read about epi 8 through your blog and another blog which had a breakdown of the scenes. I think I will wait until all the subs come out before watching the episodes completely.
I don’t do well with angst…especially in thai lakorns…in Korean dramas its fine because I am use to the heartache but in my lakorns I cannot stand it. I watch my lakorns for happiness and only slight pain here and there (reading all the reviews so far I think it will be safer for me to wait until this coming weekend).

I want my happy ending before I can go back and watch the bittersweet/super sad scenes for both of them. I know, I’m goofy like that 🙂

Thanks again for your input…I know it has sparked a lively discussion in the comments section!
–Raiya

Hi there Raiya- to me Chai Phee’s story is more than the angst, it’s just such a beautiful story complete with elements of happiness, sadness and awesome action scenes (not to mention the romance and chemistry!) Perhaps I’m just watching it at the right moment in my life, where I can appreciate these aspects. But we all have different taste in lakorns and so it’s important that we find a drama that appeals to us individually. I hope you find something you can bite into and enjoy thoroughly, thanks for your feedback!

I’m loving all the drama of Khun Chai Ronnapee but I guess what I’m truly waiting for is the brothers to help him out. He didn’t even hesitate to help ratchanon get away or the way he helped chai pat with the general and when he helped to dance with marathree so chai pat could get away. I feel like in this episode they all just leftjom hanging.

I seem to have a different perspective on the lack of help that his brothers are showing. Just like what Khun Chai Tarraton said, they must tread carefully because each and everyone of them had denied and failed their duties. A duty that has their honor, pride, and reputation on the line. They are not a regular civilian but they are nobles. Their honor is hold at a higher standard. The grandmothers are more determined then ever so for them who failed their duties to encourage or even help Chai Pee would anger the grandmothers even more. I also interpret Chai Pat differently when he said he should not had help Chai Pee lied. He is right, if he instead refused to help him lie and advised him a bit harder on doing what is right by telling Piengkwan the truth, this would not happen.

James Ma is extremely talented for a newbie and I can see a far and consistent future for him as long as he is not being overlooked. I don’t tend to watch teenage or young adolescent type lakorns entirely so I have never seen Mint fully , just here and there, but she is also another actress that I can say is very talented. Her confrontation scene is a standing ovation. I’m pretty impressed with all the main couples’ talent, even Bomb. He may be the weakest link but he won my heart with his endless determination and sexy voice (hehe), or I’m just really biased with this series. I really really love and enjoy each and every part. It is sad for me that I wouldn’t be able to watch the ending for my duty to this country will take me away this Thursday but thank god for novels!

A difference in opinion is great, we always can’t agree on everything and I appreciate a different perspective. I see your point about Chai Yai wanting to tread carefully but we’re on ep 8, and if they are going to bide their time, I fear it might be too little too late. What bugs me the most is not so much them not stepping in per se, but their seemingly unaffected attitude about the angst surrounding their lil bro. Ah well, I guess we can be happy that he’s man enough to overcome his own obstacles. I’m feeling extra protective about Chai Phee because I’ve grown quite in love with him (both Phee and James Ma) in a platonic kind of way, ha. Maybe that’s why if I were a brother, I’d be slaying dragons for him, lol. I’m so excited for this weekend’s episodes!
Good luck with your duty for your country, whatever that may be and hope to see you around when you get back!

Thank you! My team and I will need all the luck, prayers, and well wishes. I will definitely be coming back around when I return home.

I can understand your protectiveness of Chai Pee. I fell in love with this bugger since he left his brothers to follow those lovely stewardesses to get their numbers. I’m so sad that Friday is after Thursday. I am so tempted to go pick up an iphone today so I can watch it tomorrow morning while waiting for my flight.

Hi Fia, thx for the wonderful review. KC Ronnapee is indeed my fav out of all the 5 series. Was hooked to it since 1st episode. I really love the cinematography, good quality scripts, and the scenes were beautifully done. There are just too many things to love about KC Ronnapee. I too hope that the bros will help him out on this. They shouldn’t sacrifice their little brother just because of a promise made by their father and grandma. Su Su Chai Pee!!

It’s interesting how one drama can affect people in so many different ways. I am holding out on picking my favorite, even though deep down I know who the winner is, but will post a Gentlemen Series review to share this wonderful series (in entirety) to fellow fans. I can’t begin to think how I can move on.. perhaps I can just keep prolonging my final thoughts just to savor the series. Thanks for your feedback Belle, su-su indeed. Chai Phee needs all the help he can get!

I think the Juthathep brothers will start to help Khunchai Pee start from next episodes to the end ( Hopefully ). Throughout the whole series ,i think Khunchai Pee will be the one who know what is love really means among the Juthathep brother

Just finished watching episode 8, and came onto your site to find an update on the series, so happy to see this. Fia, you’re post was truly amazing and very poetic :] (Y)
The scene where Khwan went on stage and then saw Chai Pee, made me cry. When i saw that, i knew the worse possible experience for Khwan was coming, her heartbreak. But although, episode 8 was the most sad episode of the series so far, i was happy to see Grandma Aiet’s expression when they gathered afterwards. Judging from her indifference to Rampa and her dad when Grandma Oon was praising her, i think that Grandma Aiet has begun to understand Rampa’s real personality. Additionally, i have a feeling that instead of the brother’s taking the first step to help Chai Pee, it will be his sisters-in-laws after seeing their response/reaction to the incident.
Hopefully, in the upcoming episodes, the sister-in-laws will try and talk to Khwan, and the brothers will step up to help Chai Pee. I’m also hoping that Grandma Aiet, will (if my interpretation is right) start distancing herself from Rampa or show an aloof attitude.

Sister in laws meddling? Now that I would like to see! This show always manages to surprise me, so I’ll just sit tight and wait to see what they’ve got in store for us. Thanks for your two cents and kind words 🙂

I agree with you. Did you see the look on Grandma Yiet face,if it wasn’t for the so called promise I think she would have called everything off. Rampa and her dad are really turning her off. Isn’t Chai Pee supposed to Grandma Oon favorite grandson but yet she cannot she the pain and heartbreak she is causing him.

I hope the sisters-in-law talk to and help Khawn. I know Kaew cannot stand her because she tried to undermine her earlier. Can’t we all see Princess Soifah leading this mission. She does not believe in class and status, it’s all about the individual human being.

I don’t think I have ever seen Chai Yai this displease . You can tell he will not allow his little brother who finally found love and understanding to be married to someone he does not love. I think with the help of Chai Ruj they will have a counter attack for Rampa and her dad.

Chai Pee biggest problem now is to convince Khwan that he truly loves her and that he did not tell her the truth because he was afraid. Yes, he is a noble man, but he is still a man with fears, especially with a young lady who is fierce, independent, prideful and does not believe in love because of past experience.

@ dimples21
I didn’t pay much attention to Chai Yai’s expression when i first watched episode 8 with subtitles, but after i finished watching it a second time, i understood what you meant. I definitely agree with you that this is one of the first times we see Chai Yai so displeased. As for the mission (if it does happen), i can see Chai Ruj and Chai Pat putting their brains together to come up with a plan that will have Grandma Aiet and Grandma Oon (in particular) seeing Rampa’s true nature, and her cunning and evil ways. I can also see Soifah leading it, with Prang as her right hand person, and Wanrasa and Kaew following them and helping, while also making sure the two younger ones do not do anything rash. I can also see Khwan persevering in avoiding Chai Pee, and Kaew being the ‘older sister’, bringing Khwan out of her “shell” by telling Khwan her story.

for such a long time, I have this feeling again to read an article, Thanks much Fia. to read your writing I always have the feeling of pleasure, it is not only come from a good writing but I can see an open minded and lack of bias and prejudice person, of course you still have your favor, interest but you are willing to give others chances, in drama land, you give drama/actors/characters chances to be likable, and you give readers chance to be accepted to write about their thought and to spread their love about dramas. I’ve read many good articles from many blogs and websites, but not so many make me feel that. You are one of the rare ones.
Back to this lakorn again, I quit reading from Spicy, but I watched from Viki with sub, Iheartlakorns says that ppl have mix feeling about this lakon, I myself really like it, even the pace which many ppl complain that it was slow, but I find it reasonable and well done, I like the progress of their love, strong built, because it goes through doubt, stubborn, fear and inner pain, though now they are apart, and she wouldnt accept him/his love or accept the fact that he is in love with her now, but the love is there, couldnt be gone, in both of their hearts, and we can feel it, really feel it, big part of it i like is about the main leads acting, Mint and James, especially James, not that he is better than her, but for the very young first time actor, he is doing veny fine job.

Hi tobepof, that is the sweetest thing anyone could ever say to me, so thanks so much. Drama viewing is so subjective that no one can be completely right or wrong. It definitely has a lot of gray areas which is great, because it enables different perspectives and debates. I welcome all feedback, but I just ask that everyone offer it in a respectful way. Abuse and passion are two very different things. With that being said, I’m glad that you’re enjoying Khun Chai Ronnapee, a lakorn that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely mine. Happy watching and looking forward to exchanging more thoughts and musings with you!

Hi Yooni- so good to hear from you, I am well, mostly busy with yunno dramas and life in general. I try to smell the roses every now and then. Hope you find this series enjoyable once you decide to watch it 🙂

Fia, seems like you are really enjoying this installment of the series :). Good for you!

I am a very “plot and fleshed out character” driven person and I find that this one or Phutiphat are not my kind of plots. Though in comparison, this story would be higher on my list than Phutiphat. BTW, have not seen the Phutiphat installment as yet. On the other hand however, I love the cinematography, OST/background score and the general filming of this installment but find a lack of tightness in the plot with far too many characters thrown in for no reason other than trying to move the story forward. I usually love stories with a lot of characters as long as they justify a good plot.

Glad you are enjoying this one though and always love reading your take on these dramas. Most times I find your writing and analysis of the dramas a lot more interesting and enjoyable than the dramas themselves :).

Hi Astra! More than anything, I am invested with the main characters in this lakorn, namely Chai Phee. This boy has me all wrapped around his fingers. And of course it doesn’t hurt to have such a great production behind it all, everything that you’ve listed above. Because it is the conclusion of the gentlemen series, perhaps they feel it is necessary to give some fan service for the other four pairs?
Thanks so much for dropping by and reading, I hope you will find a lakorn that you can enjoy thoroughly, tight plotting and all 🙂 Hope all is well!

Thanks, Fia for the best reviews on Chai Phee. It’s great to know that there are people who watch these lakorns as seriously as I do and feel passionate about the characters. I’m so glad that I found your blog. Your reviews reflect what I feel and think too. Awesome!!
I cried buckets watching the heartbreaking scene between James and Mint, she kneeling in front of him and he watching her with so much pain on his face. The best of the lot!
And tonight’s episode made me cry again! I feel so much pain for Chai Phee. But there’s going to be a happy ending, right?
Waiting to read more of your great reviews and comments! Only two episodes left!
Love,
Kool

Yes, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. A happy ending with a wedding and real kisses to boot. But the journey itself is definitely not for the tender of hearts. We seriously endured, and it’s not over yet! Just have a bottle of pain meds available, you’re gonna need them 🙂
Thanks so much for you comments and for staying on this emotional ride with me.

How are you? Sorry for butting in so late, but I just gotta say. I share the exact same sentiments as Fuzzball. 🙂
You wrote so well that it stirred my heart again, and I’m wanting to rewatch KC Ronnapee again. 🙂 This story made me love Chai Pee and James Ma too. He’s really talented for a nongmai plus nice combat action scenes to boot. *giggles*
This is definitely my cup of tea.

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